This era wasn’t just about looking perfect; it was about owning your femininity and feeling fabulous. It’s no wonder we’re so inspired by the pin-up girls and burlesque queens of the past here at Scarlett Gasque!
If you’re shopping for vintage lingerie styles and embracing the designs of times gone by, why not finish off your lingerie look with some era appropriate makeup? Read on to learn how to achieve a 1950s makeup look – and get inspired by some of our favourite lingerie sets!
Popular makeup trends from the 1950s
1. Pastel Eyeshadow
In the 1950s, pastel eyeshadows were all the rage because they gave the eyes a soft, innocent and youthful look. In particular, shades like baby blue, pale pink, lavender, and mint became symbolic of the era.
Get the look:
- Prime: Start by applying an eyeshadow primer to keep the colour in place and prevent creasing.
- Apply: Apply the eyeshadow to the entire eyelid, blending it gently into the crease. Keep it soft and light for a dreamy pop of color.
- Blend: Use a fluffy blending brush to ensure the edges are smooth and the colour transitions softly.
Pro tip: Less is more with pastel eyeshadow. Build up the color slowly to avoid overpowering the look.
2. Winged Eyeliner
Winged eyeliner was also an iconic part of a 1950s glam look, popularised by Hollywood starlets like Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe. This style emphasises the eyes, adding a bold, dramatic flair that still feels timeless today.
Get the look:
- Line: Use a liquid or gel eyeliner to line your upper lash line. Start from the inner corner and gradually make the line thicker as you reach the outer corner of your eye.
- Wing: At the outer corner of the eye, extend the eyeliner into a sharp flick. The wing should be sleek, sharp and precise.
- Shape: Clean up any mistakes using a cotton bud dipped in makeup remover to make sure the line is crisp and defined.
Pro tip: Keep the wing small and neat. It’s meant to elongate the eyes, not overwhelm them!
3. Full Brows
Brows in the 1950s were fuller and more natural than the thin, drawn-on styles of other decades. Women favoured a soft, rounded arch that framed the face and fit in with the "natural beauty" movement of the time.
Get the look:
- Shape & Fill: Using a brow pencil or powder, fill in any sparse areas of your brows. Keep the shape natural with a soft arch – nothing too sharp or angular.
- Set: Brush your brows into place using a spoolie, and finish with a clear brow gel to hold them in place.
Pro tip: In the '50s, brows were fuller and softer, so avoid making them too defined or overdone.
4. Flawless Skin
Flawless skin was the epitome of beauty in the 1950s, thanks to the use of full-coverage foundation and powders that created a perfect, smooth complexion. This classic look was inspired by stars like Grace Kelly and Elizabeth Taylor.
Get the look:
- Prep: Hydrate your skin with a face cream or moisturiser to create a smooth base.
- Apply: Use a thick, creamy, full-coverage foundation that perfectly matches your skin tone to create a flawless, even complexion. Apply the foundation in thin layers and blend well.
- Set: Lightly dust translucent powder to set the foundation and eliminate shine. Focus on the T-zone and under the eyes.
Pro tip: Take extra time blending along your jawline to avoid any noticeable foundation lines.
5. Long Lashes
Long, fluttery lashes were a key part of 1950s beauty because they create a captivating, doe-eyed look. Mascara became a must-have product in this decade, and false lashes were sometimes used to enhance the effect.
Get the look:
- Curl: Use an eyelash curler to give your lashes lift and a wide-eyed look.
- Apply: Apply a thickening mascara to both the top and bottom lashes. Start at the base of the lashes and wiggle the wand upwards to add volume.
- Optional False Lashes: If you want more drama, add individual lashes to the outer corners of your eyes for extra fullness.
Pro tip: Apply multiple coats of mascara to really make your lashes pop, but keep them separated to avoid clumping.
6. Rosy Cheeks
Rosy cheeks helped women to achieve a fresh, youthful glow in the 1950s, and they were often applied in a soft, rounded shape to look innocent and feminine.
Get the look:
- Apply: Pick a soft pink or peach blush for a natural flushed look. Smile and apply it to the apples of your cheeks using a dome shaped brush.
- Blend: Blend the blush upwards toward your temples in a rounded shape for a soft, natural glow.
Pro tip: Choose a subtle and youthful colour, nothing overly bright or heavy.
7. Statement Lips
Statement lips were very popular in the 1950s. Marilyn Monroe and Rita Hayworth made the bold red lip a must-have because it symbolised both sophistication and rebelliousness, but corals and pinks were also big favourites!
Get the look:
- Prep: Use a lip scrub to remove dry skin, and then moisturise your lips with a balm to keep them soft.
- Line: Use a lip liner to outline your lips, following their natural shape. Fill them in with the liner to create a longer-lasting base.
- Apply: Choose a matte or satin lipstick in a cherry red, coral or pink shade. Apply with a lip brush for precision, making sure to get a clean, sharp line.
- Shape: Clean up the edges with a cotton bud dipped in makeup remover for a crisp, defined look.
Pro tip: Red lips in the '50s were all about the perfect shape, so take your time to get them just right.
Put it all together for a classic 1950s makeup look…
Combining all of these makeup looks will help you find the perfect combination of soft and bold: pastel eyes, sharp liner, fresh cheeks, and a signature coloured lip. The whole vibe is polished but approachable, with just enough glam to turn heads – 1950s style!
Now, pair it with some perfect lingerie
Once your makeup is done, it’s time to finish the look with something that feels just as iconic. Lingerie in the 1950s wasn’t just functional, it was part of the fantasy: with structured silhouettes and luxe fabrics that celebrated feminine curves and confidence.
So, why not match your new makeup look with one of our favourite lingerie sets? Whether you're going full pin-up or just feeling a little extra fabulous, here’s how to take your ‘50s glam to the next level.
5 gorgeous lingerie looks
1. The Utopia Corset & Thong
The Utopia Corset is crafted from silver and white silk and mesh. It has sheer panels that pair perfectly with flawless skin, and a plunging neckline that mirrors the sharp precision of winged eyeliner. The matching thong finishes off the look, with its appliqué flowers and classic, feminine fit.
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2. The Enchanted Teal Bralette & Thong
The Enchanted Teal set is where playful meets pretty. The romantic floral lace and silk bows pair perfectly with soft, pastel eyeshadow, and the royal purple embroidery contrasts nicely with rosy cheeks and bold lips. The thong adds a little edge while still keeping that delicate, feminine feel. Perfect for when you want your look to be sweet, and a little daring…
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3. The Loreli Bra, Thong & Suspender
If your makeup is pure 1950s bombshell, the Loreli set is your perfect match. The gilded gold embroidered lace and structured silk cups nod to old Hollywood glamour, and the suspender belt will make your legs look as long as your lashes. This three-piece set is all about celebrating your body – it’s confident, polished, and made to turn heads.
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4. The Petunia Pearl Corset & Knicker
The Petunia Pearl corset is pure pastel perfection. Match your dreamy eyeshadow to the pale lavender shade, and celebrate your inner pin-up girl in pearl straps and ruffles! The soft silk bodice cinches you in in all the right places, and the knicker is equal parts comfy and cheeky, with mesh sides and bows for extra charm.
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5. The Misses Macaron Waspie, Bra & Knicker
The Misses Macraron set is straight out of a 1950s candy shop! The pastel mint waspie defines your waist like a dream and the underwired bra gives lift and shape to complement your bold brows and softly blended foundation. The matching knicker ties it all together with sweet embroidery and silky textures. Hello hourglass!
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Get ready to wow!
Once you’ve picked a lingerie set that makes you feel amazing and nailed your 1950s-inspired makeup, why not finish it off with a classic pin-up hairstyle to bring it all together? With the right mix of lingerie, makeup and hair, you’re not just getting ready – you’re creating a whole moment.
Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram with your finished look! We can’t wait to see what you’ve created.
